DS 160 Family Application: A Step-by-Step Guide - Immikare

The DS-160 Family Application is an essential step for families planning to travel to the United States together.

This online nonimmigrant visa application Form DS 160, is required by the U.S. Department of State and gathers vital information about each family member applying for a nonimmigrant visa.

Completing the DS-160 form accurately and efficiently ensures a smoother visa application process, helping your family embark on their journey without unnecessary delays.

In this guide we will walk you through the key aspects of the DS 160 family application, providing tips and insights to help you navigate this important step with ease.

What Is The Form DS 160?

The DS 160 form is an online form commonly referred to as form DS 160.

It is an online nonimmigrant visa application form required by the U.S. Department of State for temporary travel to the United States. consular officers use it to evaluate the eligibility of visa applicants for a visa.

This online nonimmigrant visa application form DS 160 is an important part of the visa application process and is used for all temporary visa/nonimmigrant visas in the U.S. including:

• B-1/B-2 Visitor visas
• K(fiancé(e) Visas
• F-1 Student Visas
• H-1B (work visa)
• O-1 visa application (work visa application)

Each Member Must Complete Their Own DS-160 Form

When applying as a family, each member, including children, must complete their own DS-160 form.

• The form DS 160 can be completed over time
• You have 30 days to return to a partially completed application form and complete the DS 160 form

Remember to always save your DS 160 form (while completing it) every time you make changes to it.

Who Needs Derivative E Visas?

Derivative E visas are needed:

• For spouses (including same-sex spouses) and
• Unmarried children under 21 (regardless of nationality)

Who wish to spend a longer time or the entirety of their stay in the United States with the primary visa holder.

Dependents are required to schedule a regular appointment.

NOTE: Every family member who is over the age of 14 years must attend an in-person interview.

Creating A Family Or Group Application When Traveling With Your Family

Here’s A Step-by-Step Guide To Filling Out The DS-160 Form For A Family

• Select “Email Confirmation” on your Confirmation Page
• You will be directed to a “Thank You” page
• On the “Thank You” page, you’ll find an option to create a family or group application
• Choosing this option will automatically import certain information, such as destination, to a new application
• Note: You must create an individual application for each family member or group member if you use this option

Documents Required For The Visa Interview

The Following Documents Are Required To Be Furnished On Behalf Of Each Family Member At The Interview:

• Completed DS-160 form
• Proof of the payment done – of the MRV application fee
• One photograph that meets the required specifications
• Photocopy of the bio page of the applicant’s passport
• A copy of the E-visa or E-797 approval notice of the principal applicant
• For Spouse: Copy of marriage certificate (1 copy)
• For Children: Copy of each child’s birth certificate (1 copy each)

Understanding The DS 160 Form

The DS-160 Form is an online nonimmigrant visa application form

• DS 160 is used by visa applicants to apply for a nonimmigrant visa
• DS 160 is a required form for all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including temporary workers, exchange visitors and tourists

DS 160 Form Validity

The DS-160 form is valid for a limited time, and applicants must schedule a visa interview appointment within a certain timeframe.

Preparing For The Form DS 160 Family Application

Step-by-Step Guide For Family Application:

Gather Required Information

• Passport details (number, issue date, expiry date, etc.)
• Travel itinerary (if already planned)
• Details of previous U.S. travel (if any)
• U.S. contact information (friend, relative, or organization in the U.S.)
• Employment history
• Address where you will stay in the U.S.

Gathering Required Documents

• Passport with at least six months of validity
• Travel itinerary or flight information
• Proof of payment for the visa application processing fee
• Supporting documents for the specific visa category (e.g., petition-based temporary workers)

Understanding The Visa Application Fee

The visa application processing fee is non-refundable and must be paid before submitting the DS-160 form.

The fee amount varies depending on the visa category.

Start The DS-160 Form:

Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to complete form DS 160

Select the location where you will be applying for your visa and click “Start an Application”

Complete Each Family Member’s Application:

Each family member must have their own DS-160 form.

Start with one family member, and complete their form DS 160.

Ensure you save the application ID number provided at the beginning of the process, as it allows you to retrieve your application if needed.

Personal Information:

Fill in your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, and nationality.

Travel Information:

Specify the purpose of your trip to the U.S.

Include your travel plans and information about who will be paying for your trip.

Passport Information:

Provide passport details such as passport number, issuance country, and expiration date.

U.S. Contact Information:

Provide contact information for someone in the U.S.

This could be a friend, relative, or an organization you will be visiting.

Family Information:

Include information about your immediate family members, even if they are not traveling with you.

Work/Education/Training Information:

Provide details about your employment history, education, and any specialized training.

Security And Background Information:

Answer security-related questions honestly. These questions relate to your health, criminal background, and previous visa issues. All questions related to this must be answered in form DS 160.

Upload A Photo:

Follow the guidelines to upload a passport-sized photo that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.

Review And Submit:

Review all your answers carefully. Ensure there are no mistakes or omissions.

• Submit the form and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode
• This page is very crucial and necessary for your visa interview

NOTE: You need this DS-160 confirmation number when applying for or scheduling your new visa interview.

Required Documents For The Interview

• DS-160 confirmation page (one for each family member)
• Appointment confirmation page
• Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.)
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Photo (if the uploaded photo does not meet the requirements)
• Additional documents as required by the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate (e.g., evidence of ties to your home country, financial documents, etc.)

Filling Out The DS 160 Form

Tips For Accurate Completion

• Ensure all information is accurate and matches the passport and supporting documents
• Answer all questions thoroughly and honestly
• Review the form carefully before submitting it

Scheduling A Visa Interview Appointment

Pay The Visa Fee:

• After completing the DS-160 forms for each family member, pay the visa application fee as instructed on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will apply

Schedule The Interview:

Schedule an appointment for a visa interview for each family member. This is done through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website in your home country.

After submitting the DS-160 form:

• You can schedule a visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate
• Bring a printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page to the interview

Often, family members can attend the interview together, but confirm this with the consulate.

Attend The Interview:

• Bring the required documents to the interview, including the DS-160 confirmation page, passport, visa fee receipt, and any other required documents

The Visa Interview Process

What To Expect

A consular officer will review the application and conduct an interview.

Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of travel, ties to the home country, and financial support.

Accompanying Individuals

In some cases, accompanying family members may be required to attend the interview.

After The Visa Interview

Administrative Processing

In some cases, additional administrative processing may be required, which can delay the visa application process.

Understanding Your Visa

If approved, the visa will be issued and mailed to the applicant.

Review the visa to ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Common Questions And Concerns

Visa Validity And Stay Duration

The visa validity period and stay duration will be determined by the consular officer.

Extending Your Stay

In some cases, it may be possible to extend the stay duration, but this must be approved by Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Lost Or Stolen Passports And Visas

Report lost or stolen passports and visas to the Consular Electronic Application Center and local authorities.

Third-Country Nationals

Third-country nationals may be required to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) For DS-160 Family Application

Is Family And Group Application The Same?

No family visa applications and group visa applications are not same. Traveling with your family is not the same as traveling in a group.

A group can consist of tourist groups organized by travel agents, groups from an office visiting for a convention, etc.

Do All Family Members Need To Complete A Separate DS-160 Form?

Yes, each family member, including children and infants, must complete their own DS-160 form.

Can I Fill Out The DS-160 Form On Behalf Of My Family Members?

Yes, you can complete the form on behalf of family members. Ensure all information is accurate and correctly represents each individual.

Who Can Accompany Me To The Interview?

As per standard practice globally, no third parties are allowed to accompany you to the nonimmigrant visa interview.

What Is The Application ID Number, And Why Is It Important?

The Application ID number is a unique identifier for your DS-160 form. It allows you to retrieve and continue your application if you need to save it and return it later. Always save this number.

What should I do if I make a mistake on the DS-160 form after submitting it?

If you realize an error after submission, you cannot edit the submitted form. Instead, complete a new DS-160 form and bring both the old and new confirmation pages to your visa interview.

What Type Of Photo Is Required For The DS-160 Form?

The photo should be a recent color photograph (taken within the last six months) that meets U.S. visa photo requirements. You can find specific guidelines on the U.S. Department of State website.

Can I save My DS-160 Form And Complete It Later?

Yes, you can save your DS-160 form at any stage and return to it later:

• Using your Application ID and
• Answering your security question

How Do I Schedule A Visa Interview For My Family?

After completing the DS-160 forms and paying the visa application fee, schedule visa interviews through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website. Family members can often attend the interview together.

What Documents Do I Need To Bring To The Visa Interview?

Required documents include:

• DS-160 confirmation page (one for each family member)
• Appointment confirmation page
• Valid passport
• Visa fees receipt of payment
• Photo (if the uploaded photo does not meet the requirements)
• Any additional documents required by the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate

What Information Is Needed To Complete The DS-160 Form?

You will need:

• Personal information (name, date of birth, nationality, etc)
• Travel plans
• Passport details
• U.S. contact information
• Family information
• Employment and education history
• Security and background information

How Long Does It Take To Complete The DS-160 Form?

The time required varies, but it typically takes about 60-90 minutes per application. Ensure you have all the necessary information and documents ready to speed up the process.

What Should I Do If The Website Times Out Or Crashes?

If the website times out or crashes, you can retrieve your application using the Application ID. Always save your progress frequently to avoid losing data.

Can I Use The Same U.S. Contact Information For All Family Members?

Yes, you can use the same U.S. contact information for all family members if applicable.

What should I do If I Don’t Have Travel Plans Yet?

If you don’t have specific travel plans, you can provide an estimated date of arrival. Be as accurate as possible, but it’s understood that plans may change.

Do Infants And Young Children Need To Attend The Visa Interview?

In many cases, infants and young children do not need to attend the interview in person. However, policies vary by consulate, so check the specific requirements of the consulate where you are applying.

Can My Visa Appointment Be Transferred Or Given To Someone Else?

No, your visa appointment cannot be transferred to someone else as it is valid only for you and is non-transferable to any other person.

Is There A Fee For The DS-160 Form?

The DS-160 form itself does not have a fee, but there is a non-refundable visa application fee that must be paid before scheduling the visa interview.

How Can I Correct Information Of A Previously Submitted DS-160?

To correct your previously submitted Form ds 160:

• Visit CEAC website
• Select retrieve an application
• Enter your previous visa application ID number
• Answer security question
• Choose to Create A new Application
• Your information appears you can make changes

How To Sign The Form DS 160?

You can electronically sign the DS 160 form by just clicking the Sign application button at the bottom of the form ds 160.